I’m part of a panel of mystery writers that’s teaching a writing course next weekend. I usually don’t have any trouble talking about my assigned topic, but whenever I’m asked for advice on approaching the publishing world, I’m hesitant. There are so many different approaches and no real ‘right way’ to find a publisher.
The topics that I’m usually asked about (and my takes on them) are:
Agents: I was fortunate enough to obtain a nice publishing deal on my own, but that wasn’t for lack of trying to get an agent. Now I’ve got a great agent (Ellen Pepus with Signature Literary Agency) and feel that she’s been a tremendous help to me with my next project.
Conferences: They’re expensive. They’re a great place to network, but there are other, cheaper ways to network with people in the industry (Twitter, blog commenting, etc.)
Queries: I emailed them unless I was told not to in the agent’s/publisher’s guidelines. I never attached a query unless the guidelines said it was okay (lots of folks are worried about viruses.) I simultaneously submitted and mentioned it in the query…the process is just so slow.
Critique groups: Mixed bag. I think it’s like playing tennis: you don’t want a regular partner that blows you off the court with their skills and you don’t want to be the far-better one, either. I always enjoyed the folks in my groups, but had mixed success with them. I no longer belong to any critique groups.
But… everyone should have different opinions on these topics, based on their own personal experiences. Other thoughts?
I’m a big critique group fan, but it’s essential that group is a good match for me. You’ll have to pass along the info you give on the panel!
Your comments are right on.
I might add taking a writing workshop or two. This will help hone your craft, and it’s an excellent place to meet possible critique partners.
And I’ll echo alexisgrant’s request: Will you post your experience from the writing panel?
Hi Alexis and Alan,
Sure, I’ll post on it. I’m hoping I’ll learn a lot from the other writers, too.
Alan, you’re right about the workshops–they can be really useful. I also enjoyed some online courses I took and feel that I got a lot out of them
Elizabeth
Gee, I wish I could attend your classes; they sound interesting. Each one could make a post on its own. I guess that’s what Alan and Alexis are saying.
A thought: the query world is actually a little easier now than several years ago in one respect…email. Now, you very frequently see recipient guidelines allow the query within the body of the email. Much easier than envelopes and SASEs. Please note, the downside: rejection is even more quick. Not that that’s ever happened to me, of ‘couse…I just heard tell.
Best Regards, Galen
GalenKindley.com
I agree with you on all. Critique groups can be helpful in the beginning, but most writers seem to reach a point where they drop the group and switch to a few dedicated readers or an editor to help.
Helen
Straight From Hel
I met my publisher at a local writers group. I belong to two different groups, the annual fees are low, the meetings are fun and informative and the chance to meet and talk with publishers, agents and other writers makes them a good investment of time and money.
JaneKennedySutton
Galen, the funny thing is that at the time I cold-submitted to Midnight Ink, they were asking for just a cover letter and a FULL manuscript–mailed in! Can you imagine that? I couldn’t picture what their offices must look like with piles of paper lying around.
Helen, you’re right about the crit groups being perhaps more helpful at the beginning of the process than later on.
And Jane, good point about local writers’ organizations. I belong to Sisters in Crime and have belonged to the Charlotte Writers chapter. They did offer a chance to get information, network, and hang out with other writers.
Elizabeth
Hi Elizabeth, What I like about critique groups is particularly after you have worked together for a while they are a great sounding board for ideas. I agree with the fact that you need to try different ones out to find the right fit that its members are not too far ahead/behind one another in the process.
I love conferences, but you are right they can be very costly and in this economy its hard to come up with the funds. Do you attend the Muse Online Writing conference in October? Its free, a great place to network and has a really good mix of workshops.
Great post!
Nancy, from Just a Thought…
Nancy, I haven’t heard of the Muse Online conference. ‘Free’ sounds right up my alley, though (as does ‘online.’) I’ll check it out–thanks!
Elizabeth